Frequently Asked Questions: Military Service Academy Nominations
Military Academy Nominations - FAQ
Frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination.
What is a nomination?
Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from the following:
- A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides
- Both U.S. Senators from his or her state
- Apply directly to the Vice-President of the United States
What are the basic eligibility requirements of a Military Service Academy?
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
- Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
- Residence/High School: Must reside or attend a high school within the boundaries of the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina
- Skill/Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
How do I request a nomination application?
Submit the online form to my Charlotte District Office by:
- Visiting https://adams.house.gov
- Go to the “Services” tab at the top of the home page
- Click on “Military Academy Nominations”
- Submit your information in the online form
- My office will email you a nomination application
- Submit the completed application by the deadline: Friday, November 3, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
When do I apply for a nomination?
The nomination application will be available on September 1, 2023 for candidates who are beginning their senior year in the fall, or who have already graduated and wish to interview for a nomination.
What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to my District Office is Friday, November 3, 2023. Please contact Ms. Sandra Brown in my Charlotte District Office at 704-344-9950 or Sandra.Brown@mail.house.gov for more details.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- Current photo
- High school transcript with grades and class rank
- Official American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or Official College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
- Resume of extracurricular activities
- An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation (English instructor, Math instructor, and an individual other than a family member)
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview with our nomination board in December.
What criteria is used in selecting candidates?
Nominations are based on a "whole person" evaluation. Our nomination board will assess factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character, and motivation when deliberating rankings.
How many academies are there?
There are five service academies.
Three reside within the Department of Defense:
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
- U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
- U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs
Two reside within the Department of Transportation:
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut
Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?
No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the academy of your choice via the websites noted for each academy's particular admissions qualifications. It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy, as the U.S.C.G.A. accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.
Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:
- Teachers
- Counselors
- Employers
- Supervisors
- Coaches
- Clergy
- Scout Leaders
I do not require a specific recommendation form. A letter of recommendation is sufficient.
Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?
No. You will be placed among a select group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision. If selected, you will receive an offer of admission letter (an appointment) directly from the academy.
What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?
No. You can be nominated to multiple academies depending on how well you have competed among this year's pool of candidates. It is also possible to win multiple appointments.
When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy?
Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.
Resources
Link to Frequently Asked Questions about the process.
Link to Registration for Military Service Academy Day
Link to the Service Academy Nomination Form